CAFL Combine – a chance to Shine in Shanghai

After a successful combine and tryout camp in Beijing, the CAFL (China Arena Football League) staff has arrived in Shanghai in preparation of a second weekend in search of the first ever Chinese professional football players.

The CAFL will open play in the Fall of 2016 and will fill their rosters in the first-ever CAFL draft of both Chinese and International players on June 10.

Saturday, at Shanghai’s Luwan Sports Center, another large contingent of CAFL hopefuls will gather for a full day of tests, drills and interviews, as the search for Chinese stars continues.

Last weekend, in Beijing, more than 160 prospects went through a similar tryout combine

(click below to see video highlights of the day.)

Ken Bozarth, CAFL Director Of Football Operations said “It was an amazing day in so many ways. The raw energy and enthusiasm for our sport was off the charts! Some players traveled as far as 12 hours by train from Harbin to take their shot. We even had parents come as well, which tells me that we are gaining approval and acceptance of the game, and – they also want to see their children’s dreams come true!”

The breakdown by position of potential players in Beijing looked like this, according to the data collected by the CAFL staff:

OL/DL – 35 players

LB/FB – 25 players

WR/DB – 75 players

QB – 5 players

Chris Barrett, one of the US based coaches commented: “I saw a couple of guys out there who I think have a chance to be real stars in our league, and who will pave the way for the future here.” Said US Coach and former pro wide receiver Darrick Branch “These guys have come so far since our first training camp in 2013, it proves that Marty Judge (CAFL Founder) was right in his vision for pro football in China”